Page 12 - Spring2019

Signing Day is not Just for Athletes Anymore

By: Calvin Scharrer

When you think of a college signing day, most would think of the
best athletes in the school signing to Ohio State, Alabama, UCLA,
Oklahoma, etc. to play a sport. However, a new trend throughout
high schools across the United States is Technical College or
Industry signing days. As more and more students are taking post-
secondary routes that lead to skilled trades, schools are celebrating
those choices.
Much is being said in the media about the desperate need for
skilled trades and high school students are taking notice. As the
cost of tuition at traditional universities rise, and student debt
is reaching astronomical numbers, students are looking more to
the technical and industrial training programs. The job market for Central Nine Career Technical/Industry Signing Day L-R, Jason Wiley -
these skills is rising as are the pay rates. In welding, the American Instructor, Teresa Buck, Kody Buck, Mike Buck, Calvin Scharrer HIWT
Welding Society is predicting a shortage of over 450,000 skilled
welding professionals by 2022 (aws.org). Many students see the
trades as a way to achieve personal and fnancial goals without
incurring large student debt.

HIWT staff have had the opportunity to participate in a few of these
signing days. Being able to be there when a student publically
makes the commitment to join our family is as exciting for us as it
is for them and we appreciate the opportunity we had to be there
to celebrate with them. Signing day is a moment that solidifes
your decision. Its a commitment to move forward in the direction
of YOUR choice and opens the world of opportunity. When I had
decided to become a welder and chose my educational path with
HIWT it was a massive weight off my shoulders and the feeling of
commitment felt so right. Instantly I belonged to a family states
Scott Mazzulla, President & CEO of HIWT.

South Branch Career and Technical Center L-R Tim Kiser - Instructor,
Hayden Stonestreet, Janet Piechocki - HIWT, Shelly Crites, Assistant
Director

Brookville High School, L-R, Chip Prinz - HIWT; Austen Denlinger; Austin; Springfeld Clark CTC L-R, Anthony Kimble; Michael Mariana HIWT
Calvin Scharrer HIWT

2019 SPRING ISSUE - 12 - www.welding.org